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Gracie's Coffee Exterior Shot

Gracie’s Coffee

Gracie’s Coffee is a prime example of how Small Business Development Center services help entrepreneurs over the life of a business: from startup to exit. 

In 2022, at only 19 years old, Gracie Rounds reached out to the Northwest SBDC for assistance with legally establishing a 72 square foot walk-up and drive-through coffee hut on a busy corner in the rural town of Gypsum. 

After seven months of consulting and preparation, Gracie’s Coffee opened for business. Due to local demand it was soon time to scale and the SBDC offered further support in the growth stage with hiring, funding, and tax planning. Over the course of 2023 the coffee hut created eight jobs and received major funding through the Colorado Enterprise Fund.

With the initial success, Gracie developed an innovative canned cold brew product that was picked up by local retailers and continues to gain traction with retailers statewide. She further expanded through partnerships with local schools, the Chamber of Commerce, law enforcement, and TedX Youth. In 2023, Gracie’s Coffee served more than 21,000 cups of coffee. Now in 2024, Gracie’s Coffee received recognition as Emerging Business of the Year in the Annual Success Awards presented by Vail Valley Partnership. Gracie has also written a guide about her entrepreneurial journey for other aspiring business owners.

She says, “Owning this business as a young person has given me so much confidence, knowledge, and experience unlike anything I’ve ever done in my life.”

As a young person, Gracie already shows signs of a serial entrepreneur. She is now in the process of selling the successful business in order to pursue the next dream. Here again, the Northwest SBDC is helping with exit planning and business sales expertise.

Gracie’s Coffee Read More »

Gilpin County Resources



Business Resources in Gilpin County, CO

The Northwest Small Business Development Center (NWSBDC) is a free business resource for companies located in Black Hawk, Central City, Coal Creek, and Rollinsville, CO. Established in 1987, the goal of the NWSBDC is to help entrepreneurs and small business owners in Colorado gain control of their business operations and foster growth. If you seek our services, the NWSBDC will pair you with one of our expert business consultants, who will meet with you one-on-one to help you find solutions to your business challenges. This is a completely free business resource.

The NWSBDC business consulting services specialize in all aspects of business:

  • Business Planning
  • Business Strategy
  • Sales Management
  • Project Management
  • Human Resources
  • Finance
  • Marketing

If you are just starting out, or if you are an established business asking yourself “what’s next?,” the NWSBDC can help! For small business owners and entrepreneurs in Black Hawk, Central City, Coal Creek, and Rollinsville, CO who are seeking business consulting resources, contact us today.

How to Start a Business in Gilpin County, CO

Starting a business in Gilpin County is a big project, and many aspects of business need to come together to ensure a solid foundation.

  1. The first step to starting a successful business is conducting market research. This step will indicate if there is an opportunity to turn your business idea into a profitable company.
  2. Having a business plan. Your business plan will serve as a playbook to how you will structure, flow, financing and grow your business.
  3. Having enough capital to get your business going. Your business plan will give you the insight into the amount of capital you will need to get your company off the ground. If you do not have enough on hand, you will need to either raise or borrow capital. Today, there are more ways than one to find the capital you need.
  4. Making your business official by registering your company and obtaining federal and state tax IDs. Getting an employer identification number (EIN) is like giving your business a social security number. This is a critical piece for setting up bank accounts and paying business taxes.

The NWSBDC business consultants work with a lot of entrepreneurs who are tackling how to start a business (many of our consultants have started multiple successful businesses themselves!). Following all of the correct steps during the startup phase will help minimize potential roadblocks down the road. It is our mission to make you successful in your new business venture!

How to Grow a Business in Gilpin County, CO

You are through the startup phase (congratulations!) and are exploring ways to grow your business, pivot, or maybe even sell or exit your business. Scaling a business is a fine art and it takes a solid foundation to ensure success. Many of the NWSBDC business consultants have successfully scaled a business, made a pivot, or even sold businesses. The firsthand experience that our consultants provide will help guide you through your next step. The NWSBDC works with businesses in all industries, including, but not limited to:

  • Retail shops
  • Salons and spas
  • Fitness centers
  • Restaurants
  • Skilled trades
  • Agriculture
  • Hunting and wildlife
  • Outdoor hospitality — rafting companies, jeep tours, dude ranches
  • Outdoor product companies and manufacturers

How to grow a business can be an overwhelming question to answer. Let our experienced business consultants help minimize the stress, and let us help guide you through your next phase, whatever it may be!

Business Finance Consulting in Gilpin County, CO

Business finances is one of the biggest differentiating factors between a business that will prosper or fail. Finance questions are the most common topics we address at the NWSBDC. Our financial consultants help business owners navigate:

  • Sales tax
  • Income tax
  • Tax filing
  • Income statements
  • Cash flow
  • Balance sheets
  • Loan applications
  • Alternative financing options

Our consultants know how overwhelming managing finances can be for small businesses. Our finance consultants will help you gain a better understanding of your current business finances, and can provide resources and tools to properly manage all aspects of your financial operations.

Marketing Resources for Businesses in Gilpin County, CO

The second common question we get at the NWSBDC is in regard to marketing. How do I beef up my marketing? Where should I be spending my ad dollars? Should I be focusing my marketing efforts digitally or through print media? All of these questions are valid, and the marketing resources we provide help tackle these questions. Our marketing consultants help businesses navigate:

  • Increasing your marketing base
  • Identifying new audiences
  • Online vs. traditional marketing efforts
  • Search engine optimization (SEO)
  • Online listings (Google, Yelp, Bing, etc.)
  • Social media

Focused marketing efforts can help your business grow. Contact us today to get connected with one of our expert marketing consultants.

About the Northwest Small Business Development Center (NWSBDC)

The Colorado SBDC came into existence in 1987. The Colorado SBDC Network consists of 14 full-time centers throughout the state. At the NWSBDC, we believe that every entrepreneur and business owner should have access to expertise, relationships and an understanding of the business community at large.

The NWSBDC team of consultants encompass all aspects of business. If you are a small business owner in Gilpin County facing challenges and are unable to find the right business resources, contact us today.

For businesses located in Black Hawk, Central City, Coal Creek, and Rollinsville, CO who are seeking free business resources, or experienced business consulting, register today for an appointment: contact us.

Gilpin County Resources Read More »

Clear Creek County Resources



Business Resources in Clear Creek County, CO

The Northwest Small Business Development Center (NWSBDC) is a free business resource for companies located in Central City, Idaho Springs, Empire, Georgetown, and Silver Plume, CO. Established in 1987, the goal of the NWSBDC is to help entrepreneurs and small business owners in Colorado gain control of their business operations and foster growth. If you seek our services, the NWSBDC will pair you with one of our expert business consultants, who will meet with you one-on-one to help you find solutions to your business challenges. This is a completely free business resource.

The NWSBDC business consulting services specialize in all aspects of business:

  • Business Planning
  • Business Strategy
  • Sales Management
  • Project Management
  • Human Resources
  • Finance
  • Marketing

If you are just starting out, or if you are an established business asking yourself “what’s next?,” the NWSBDC can help! For small business owners and entrepreneurs in Central City, Idaho Springs, Empire, Georgetown, and Silver Plume, CO who are seeking business consulting resources, contact us today.

How to Start a Business in Clear Creek County, CO

Starting a business in Clear Creek County is a big project, and many aspects of business need to come together to ensure a solid foundation.

  1. The first step to starting a successful business is conducting market research. This step will indicate if there is an opportunity to turn your business idea into a profitable company.
  2. Having a business plan. Your business plan will serve as a playbook to how you will structure, flow, financing and grow your business.
  3. Having enough capital to get your business going. Your business plan will give you the insight into the amount of capital you will need to get your company off the ground. If you do not have enough on hand, you will need to either raise or borrow capital. Today, there are more ways than one to find the capital you need.
  4. Making your business official by registering your company and obtaining federal and state tax IDs. Getting an employer identification number (EIN) is like giving your business a social security number. This is a critical piece for setting up bank accounts and paying business taxes.

The NWSBDC business consultants work with a lot of entrepreneurs who are tackling how to start a business (many of our consultants have started multiple successful businesses themselves!). Following all of the correct steps during the startup phase will help minimize potential roadblocks down the road. It is our mission to make you successful in your new business venture!

How to Grow a Business in Clear Creek County, CO

You are through the startup phase (congratulations!) and are exploring ways to grow your business, pivot, or maybe even sell or exit your business. Scaling a business is a fine art and it takes a solid foundation to ensure success. Many of the NWSBDC business consultants have successfully scaled a business, made a pivot, or even sold businesses. The firsthand experience that our consultants provide will help guide you through your next step. The NWSBDC works with businesses in all industries, including, but not limited to:

  • Retail shops
  • Salons and spas
  • Fitness centers
  • Restaurants
  • Skilled trades
  • Agriculture
  • Hunting and wildlife
  • Outdoor hospitality — rafting companies, jeep tours, dude ranches
  • Outdoor product companies and manufacturers

How to grow a business can be an overwhelming question to answer. Let our experienced business consultants help minimize the stress, and let us help guide you through your next phase, whatever it may be!

Business Finance Consulting in Clear Creek County, CO

Business finances is one of the biggest differentiating factors between a business that will prosper or fail. Finance questions are the most common topics we address at the NWSBDC. Our financial consultants help business owners navigate:

  • Sales tax
  • Income tax
  • Tax filing
  • Income statements
  • Cash flow
  • Balance sheets
  • Loan applications
  • Alternative financing options

Our consultants know how overwhelming managing finances can be for small businesses. Our finance consultants will help you gain a better understanding of your current business finances, and can provide resources and tools to properly manage all aspects of your financial operations.

Marketing Resources for Businesses in Clear Creek County, CO

The second common question we get at the NWSBDC is in regard to marketing. How do I beef up my marketing? Where should I be spending my ad dollars? Should I be focusing my marketing efforts digitally or through print media? All of these questions are valid, and the marketing resources we provide help tackle these questions. Our marketing consultants help businesses navigate:

  • Increasing your marketing base
  • Identifying new audiences
  • Online vs. traditional marketing efforts
  • Search engine optimization (SEO)
  • Online listings (Google, Yelp, Bing, etc.)
  • Social media

Focused marketing efforts can help your business grow. Contact us today to get connected with one of our expert marketing consultants.

About the Northwest Small Business Development Center (NWSBDC)

The Colorado SBDC came into existence in 1987. The Colorado SBDC Network consists of 14 full-time centers throughout the state. At the NWSBDC, we believe that every entrepreneur and business owner should have access to expertise, relationships and an understanding of the business community at large.

The NWSBDC team of consultants encompass all aspects of business. If you are a small business owner in Clear Creek County facing challenges and are unable to find the right business resources, contact us today.

For businesses located in Central City, Idaho Springs, Empire, Georgetown, and Silver Plume, CO who are seeking free business resources, or experienced business consulting, register today for an appointment: contact us.

Clear Creek County Resources Read More »

Rio Blanco County Resources



Business Resources in Rio Blanco County, CO

The Northwest Small Business Development Center (NWSBDC) is a free business resource for companies located in Meeker, Rangely, Buford, and White River City, CO. Established in 1987, the goal of the NWSBDC is to help entrepreneurs and small business owners in Colorado gain control of their business operations and foster growth. If you seek our services, the NWSBDC will pair you with one of our expert business consultants, who will meet with you one-on-one to help you find solutions to your business challenges. This is a completely free business resource.

The NWSBDC business consulting services specialize in all aspects of business:

  • Business Planning
  • Business Strategy
  • Sales Management
  • Project Management
  • Human Resources
  • Finance
  • Marketing

If you are just starting out, or if you are an established business asking yourself “what’s next?,” the NWSBDC can help! For small business owners and entrepreneurs in Meeker, Rangely, Buford, and White River City, CO who are seeking business consulting resources, contact us today.

How to Start a Business in Rio Blanco County, CO

Starting a business in Rio Blanco County is a big project, and many aspects of business need to come together to ensure a solid foundation.

  1. The first step to starting a successful business is conducting market research. This step will indicate if there is an opportunity to turn your business idea into a profitable company.
  2. Having a business plan. Your business plan will serve as a playbook to how you will structure, flow, financing and grow your business.
  3. Having enough capital to get your business going. Your business plan will give you the insight into the amount of capital you will need to get your company off the ground. If you do not have enough on hand, you will need to either raise or borrow capital. Today, there are more ways than one to find the capital you need.
  4. Making your business official by registering your company and obtaining federal and state tax IDs. Getting an employer identification number (EIN) is like giving your business a social security number. This is a critical piece for setting up bank accounts and paying business taxes.

The NWSBDC business consultants work with a lot of entrepreneurs who are tackling how to start a business (many of our consultants have started multiple successful businesses themselves!). Following all of the correct steps during the startup phase will help minimize potential roadblocks down the road. It is our mission to make you successful in your new business venture!

How to Grow a Business in Rio Blanco County, CO

You are through the startup phase (congratulations!) and are exploring ways to grow your business, pivot, or maybe even sell or exit your business. Scaling a business is a fine art and it takes a solid foundation to ensure success. Many of the NWSBDC business consultants have successfully scaled a business, made a pivot, or even sold businesses. The firsthand experience that our consultants provide will help guide you through your next step. The NWSBDC works with businesses in all industries, including, but not limited to:

  • Retail shops
  • Salons and spas
  • Fitness centers
  • Restaurants
  • Skilled trades
  • Agriculture
  • Hunting and wildlife
  • Outdoor hospitality — rafting companies, jeep tours, dude ranches
  • Outdoor product companies and manufacturers

How to grow a business can be an overwhelming question to answer. Let our experienced business consultants help minimize the stress, and let us help guide you through your next phase, whatever it may be!

Business Finance Consulting in Rio Blanco County, CO

Business finances is one of the biggest differentiating factors between a business that will prosper or fail. Finance questions are the most common topics we address at the NWSBDC. Our financial consultants help business owners navigate:

  • Sales tax
  • Income tax
  • Tax filing
  • Income statements
  • Cash flow
  • Balance sheets
  • Loan applications
  • Alternative financing options

Our consultants know how overwhelming managing finances can be for small businesses. Our finance consultants will help you gain a better understanding of your current business finances, and can provide resources and tools to properly manage all aspects of your financial operations.

Marketing Resources for Businesses in Rio Blanco County, CO

The second common question we get at the NWSBDC is in regard to marketing. How do I beef up my marketing? Where should I be spending my ad dollars? Should I be focusing my marketing efforts digitally or through print media? All of these questions are valid, and the marketing resources we provide help tackle these questions. Our marketing consultants help businesses navigate:

  • Increasing your marketing base
  • Identifying new audiences
  • Online vs. traditional marketing efforts
  • Search engine optimization (SEO)
  • Online listings (Google, Yelp, Bing, etc.)
  • Social media

Focused marketing efforts can help your business grow. Contact us today to get connected with one of our expert marketing consultants.

About the Northwest Small Business Development Center (NWSBDC)

The Colorado SBDC came into existence in 1987. The Colorado SBDC Network consists of 14 full-time centers throughout the state. At the NWSBDC, we believe that every entrepreneur and business owner should have access to expertise, relationships and an understanding of the business community at large.

The NWSBDC team of consultants encompass all aspects of business. If you are a small business owner in Rio Blanco County facing challenges and are unable to find the right business resources, contact us today.

For businesses located in Meeker, Rangely, Buford, and White River City, CO who are seeking free business resources, or experienced business consulting, register today for an appointment: contact us.

Rio Blanco County Resources Read More »

Brandon Duarte

StealthHunter Gear

Like that of many others, Brandon Duarte’s energy career in the coal-transitioning rural community of Craig will be coming to an end within the next few years. For Brandon, developing StealthHunter Gear seemed the best way to begin a new phase without leaving the rural Colorado home he loves.

With 17 years of experience as a hunting guide in Northwest Colorado, he developed two innovative hunting products and initially sought Northwest SBDC assistance in 2022 to bring them to market. He was first referred to the SBDC Business Foundations Technical Assistance Program to establish his business and received a small grant for startup expenses. Later, SBDC events, classes, and several consulting sessions throughout 2023 helped him strategize about how best to operate and grow his business in alignment with his goals. 

Growth over the past 12 months has been incredible, and includes expansion through the purchase of a business and patented product which expanded StealthHunter’s offerings. Now, the business includes online retail selling unique 3D elk hunting decoys as well as hunting blinds, stands, and other accessories. The decoys are also available in stores in the Yampa Valley and along I70 from Frisco to Rifle. Further, Brandon is in discussions with a manufacturer interested in licensing one of the products he designed. His company is currently the only dealer of Redneck Hunting Blinds in not only Colorado, but also the Western United States.

“I’ve told several others considering opening a business that I highly recommend the SBDC. They really cover whatever needs you have,” Brandon said. “There are so many facets that go into creating a business that it can be overwhelming, but the consultants, videos, and resources helped me understand what I needed to be successful.”

StealthHunter Gear Read More »

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